A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLANTING A GARDEN

Abstract: A templet (1) for planting a garden (2) comprising a flexible sheet (7) of PVC material formed to the shape of the garden (2). A plurality of indicating pairs of slits (10) indicate locations at which various plants (6) are to be planted. Identifying labels (13) adjacent each indicating pair of slits (10) identify the plants (6) which are to be planted at the respective indicating slits (10). To plant the garden (2) the templet (1) is placed over the garden and portions (11) adjacent the slits (10) are peeled back to form an opening (12) and the plants (6) are planted in the garden through the openings (12). A row (14) of bricks (16) anchor the peripheral edge (4) of the templet (1) adjacent a lawn (3).

Description: "A method and apparatus for planting a garden" The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for planting a garden, and in particular, for planting a flower garden, such as, for example, a flower bed, an herbaceous bed or border, a kitchen garden, a herb bed, an island bed surrounded, for example, by a lawn, a pebbled area; a bed in a patio, and indeed, any other bed, border or garden and the like. The term "garden" as used throughout this specification is intended to mean a flower garden, such as, for example, a flower bed, an herbaceous bed or border, shrubbery, a kitchen garden, a herb bed, an island bed of the type which may, for example, be surrounded by a lawn, a path or a pebbled area. The term "garden" is also intended to mean a bed in a patio, or indeed, any other bed, border or the like in which one would plant flowering and non-flowering plants, shrubs, bushes, trees, roses, seeds, bulbs and the like. In general, it is not intended that the term "garden" should include a lawn, pathway and the like which may be provided adjacent the garden, bed or border although, in certain cases, the term "garden" may include a lawn or pathway associated with a garden. In order to obtain best results from a flower garden, herbaceous bed or border and the like, it is important that the garden should be planned in advance. The locations of the various plants, shrubs, bushes, trees, roses, bulbs and the like should be planned so that the shorter plants are to the front, and the taller plants are to the rear of the garden, in the case of gardens which extend from a wall or the like. In general, it is preferable that the plants between the taller rear plants and the shorter front plants are graded downwardly towards the front. In the case of island gardens which are surrounded by a lawn, pathway or the like, it is desirable that the taller plants should be in the centre of the garden, and the remaining plants should be graded downwardly towards the peripheral edge of the garden. Additionally, it is important that the colours of the plants, and in particular, the colours of the blooms of the plants should blend with those of adjacent plants. This, in general, requires considerable planning and measuring of the garden to ensure that the plants are located in the optimum location. In general, a plan of the garden is first drawn out on a relatively small scale, and the locations of the plants are marked on the plan with appropriate two co-ordinate dimensions. The next step is to mark the locations for the various plants in the garden. This, in general, requires determining the various locations by making two measurements corresponding to the two co¬ ordinates of the respective plant locations from two reference lines at right angles to each other. This, it will be appreciated is a particularly tedious and time consuming task. In general, in wet weather, or where the soil is heavy after a period of wet weather, it is not practical to make such measurements. There is therefore a need for a method and apparatus which overcomes these problems. So far, no such suitable method and/or apparatus for planting a garden exists. British Patent Specification No. 2,202,421A discloses a templet which is formed by a rigid plate and which is provided with a cluster of holes for locating the positions at which bulbs are to be planted in a garden. However, while this templet is suitable for planting a cluster of bulbs in a garden, it is unsuitable for planting the entire or substantial part of the garden. It is still necessary to measure the two co¬ ordinates of the respective locations of the clusters of bulbs from two reference lines at right angles to each other. One object of the invention is to provide a method for planting a garden which enables the garden to be planted readily easily, and in particular, which enables the location at which the plants are to be planted to be determined simply and easily and accurately with minimum effort, and in particular, without the need for having to determine the location of each plant by measuring the respective co-ordinates of the plant locations from reference lines. It is also an object of the invention to provide apparatus for planting a garden which enables the garden to be planted readily easily, and in particular, which enables the location at which the plants are to be planted to be determined simply and easily and accurately with minimum effort, and in particular, without the need for having to determine the location of each plant by measuring the respective co-ordinates of the plant locations from reference lines. A subsidiary object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for planting a garden in which the subsequent growth of weeds is minimised, and indeed, may be eliminated altogether. Throughout this specification, the term "plant" is intended to include plants, flowering and non-flowering, shrubs, bushes, trees, roses, seeds, bulbs and the like, indeed, anything that one would wish to plant in a garden. It is also intended to include vegetables, herbs and the like, although, in general, it is envisaged that the invention will be more commonly used for planting a flower bed, an herbaceous bed or border, a shrubbery, a herb bed or the like, but may also be used for planting a kitchen garden, and indeed, a vegetable and/or fruit garden. According to the invention there is provided apparatus for planting a garden, the apparatus being of the type comprising a templet, which templet comprises a plurality of indicating means for indicating respective locations at which plants are to be planted wherein the templet is a full scale sized templet, and defines a substantial portion of the garden, and the templet comprises a plurality of identifying means adjacent respective indicating means for identifying the plants which are to be planted at the respective indicating means. The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that planting of a garden is a relatively simple and straightforward task, and the garden can be planted with the plants in the desired locations without the need for carrying out measurements in the garden in order to determine the location at which the plants are to be planted. The provision of the indicating means for indicating the location at which plants are to be planted, and the provision of the identifying means for identifying the plants which are to be planted at the respective locations, enables the garden to be planted quickly and easily with precision with the minimum amount of effort being required. In one aspect of the invention the templet comprises a means which defines the peripheral shape of the garden. This further enhances the precision with which the garden may be planted, and furthermore, enables the shape of the garden to be formed with precision and with minimum effort. Preferably, the means which defines the peripheral shape of the garden comprises at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the templet. This permits the templet to be left in position in the garden after planting of the garden, and where the templet is of a material which is permeable to water, air and nutrients but not permeable to sunlight, the plants which have been planted receive necessary water, air and nutrients, but subsequent weed growth is inhibited. Advantageously, the means which defines the peripheral shape of the garden comprises the peripheral edge of the templet. In one aspect of the invention, each indicating means is provided by an indicating opening through the templet. Advant-ageously, each indicating means is formed by a slit. Preferably, each indicating means is formed by a pair of slits in the form of a cross, to enable portions of the templet adjacent the slits to be peeled backwards for forming an indicating opening through which the plants are planted. Alternatively, each indicating means is provided by a mark on the templet. In one aspect of the invention each identifying means comprises an identifying character. Advantageously, each identifying character comprises the name of the plant, which may be the botanical name of the plant. Alternately, the identifying character may be a numerical character. Additionally, or alternatively the identifying means may comprise an identifiable representation of the plant. The identifiable representation may be a photograph, or an artist's drawing and/or sketch of the plant, and it may be in monochromatic colour or it may be in multi-colour, to give an indication of the colour of the blooms of the plant when it flowers, and also to give an indication of the most attractive colour of the leaves of the plant, for example, if the plant is a shrub, bush or a tree, the colour of the leaves may be shown as their autumnal colours, if the bush, shrub or tree is at its best in the autumn. Needless to say, the colour of the leaves may be shown at any time of the year. The identifying means may also give an indication of the height to which the plant would normally grow, and indeed, the identifying means where it is provided by a representation of the plant may show a representation of the plant in plan view which would be shown in full size, so that one could readily see the amount of the garden which would be occupied by the various plants, and their interaction with each other. In certain cases, it may be desirable to print or otherwise provide the identifying means on a label, which would be secured to the templet by an adhesive or other suitable securing means. For example, the label may be a self-adhesive label. In certain cases it may be preferable that each identifying means would form its corresponding indicating means. In a preferred aspect of the invention the templet is formed of sheet material. Preferably, the templet is of a flexible material to accommodate undulations and varying elevations of the garden. In general, it is preferred that the templet is of a permeable material, and preferably, is of a permeable material which is permeable to water, air and nutrients to accommodate water, air and nutrients to the roots of the plants. For example, to accommodate water and nutrients which may be sprayed on the surface of the garden. In many cases, it is preferable that the templet, while being of a permeable material which is permeable to water, air and nutrients, should not be permeable to sunlight in order to inhibit weed growth beneath the templet. This, thus, in general, maintains the garden relatively free of weeds. Indeed, in certain cases, the templet may be of an impermeable material, which would be impermeable to water, air, nutrients and the like, as well as to sunlight. In general, however, it is preferable that the templet be of a material which inhibits weed growth. The templet may be of a natural material, or a manmade material, such as, for example, a plastics material, typically, polypropylene, PVC and the like. The templet may also be of paper, textile material, sacking and may be of a biodegradable, or a nonbiodegradable material. The material of the templet may be woven or non-woven, and in cases where the material is non- woven, it may, for example, be formed by an extruded sheet of material. A typical woven plastics material would be spunbonded polypropylene fabric, which would preferably be of 50 grammes per square metre grade, although grades in the range of 25 grammes per square metre to 250 grammes per square metre may be used. Other materials from which the templet may be formed are polythene, nylon and the like. Materials which have been found suitable for the templet are a sheet material sold under the Trade Mark PLANTEX by Du Pont and LANDSCAPE FABRIC UV50 distributed by Netlon Limited of Great Britain. Sheet polythene of gauge in the range of 50 gauge to 1,000 gauge has been found to be satisfactory, and gauges of 250 to 500 gauge have been found to be preferable. In order to provide permeability in the sheet material of the templet to water, air and nutrients, it may be desirable to form perforations of relatively small size in the sheet material. Additionally, the invention provides a method for planting a garden, the method being of the type comprising the steps of placing a templet on the ground in the garden, which templet comprises a plurality of indicating means for indicating respective locations at which plants are to be planted, and planting the plants through the templet at the respective indicating means, wherein the templet is a full scale size templet and defines a substantial portion of the garden, and the method comprises the step of placing the templet on the ground at the location of the garden so that the templet coincides with the said substantial portion of the garden, and the templet comprises a plurality of identifying means adjacent respective indicating means for identifying the plants which are to be planted at the respective indicating means. In one aspect of the invention the templet is anchored to the ground by an anchor means, to ensure that the templet remains in place in the garden after planting. By leaving the templet in place after planting, provided the templet is of a material suitable for inhibiting weed growth, weed growth is virtually completely eliminated. However, it is desirable that where the templet is left in place after planting, the templet should be of a material which is permeable to water, air and nutrients to facilitate vigorous growth of the plants. Preferably, the templet is anchored to the ground adjacent at least portion of the peripheral edge of the templet. Advantageously, the templet is anchored to the ground around the peripheral edge-of the templet. In one aspect of the invention the anchor means comprises a plurality of bricks placed on the templet. Advantageously, the anchor means comprises a plurality of bricks formed into an elongated row which extends around all or part of the peripheral edge of the templet. Alternatively, the anchor means comprises a plurality of logs. Preferably, the anchor means comprises a plurality of timber half logs of substantially semi-circular transverse cross-section. Advantageously, the anchor means comprises a plurality of logs arranged to form an elongated row and the row of logs may extend around all or part of the peripheral edge of the templet. Additionally, the anchor means may comprise a plurality of stakes passed through the templet into the ground. In one aspect of the invention the method further comprises the step of covering the templet with a covering material to obscure the templet. Preferably, the covering material is placed on the templet after the plants have been planted therethrough. In one aspect of the invention the covering material comprises wood or bark chips. The covering material may also be a decorative type covering, and may, for example, comprise pebbles and/or stones and/or marble chips. Additionally, the covering material may be a mulch material. Additionally, the method may comprise the step of preparing the templet, which may comprise the steps of forming the indicating means on the templet at the respective appropriate locations, and then forming identifying means on the templet adjacent the respective indicating means. The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of apparatus according to the invention for lanting a garden, Fig. 2 is a plan view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the detail of Fig. 2 in a different position, Fig. 4 is a partly perspective view of a garden partly planted according to the method of the invention using the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view on the line V-V of Fig. 4 of portion of the garden of Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 5 of a portion of a garden planted using a method according to a slightly different embodiment of the invention using the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a plan view of apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention for planting a garden, and Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic plan view of a garden planted using the apparatus of Fig. 7. Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 5, there is illustrated apparatus according to the invention, in this case, a templet indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for planting a garden 2 using a method according to the invention. In this embodiment of the invention the garden 2 is an herbaceous border which extends partly around a lawn 3 in the front area 5 of a house (not shown). A plurality of plants 6, in this case, shrubs 8, a bush 9, namely, a dwarf conifer as well as climbing roses (not shown) are planted in the garden 2. Other plants (not shown) are planted in the garden 2 at locations a to 7 as follows: a - Creeping Hydrangea b - Winter Heather Pink c - Perennial Geranium d - Silver Evonymus e - Potentilla Long Acre f - Cotoneaster Horizontalis 9 - Cotoneaster Horizontalis h - Winter Heather White i - Prunus Autolycan J - Hedera Golden Heart k - Spirea Little Princess 1 - Golden Evonymus The templet 1 is formed from a flexible sheet 7 of plastics material, in this case, spunbonded polypropylene material into the shape of the garden 2. The sheet 7 is permeable to water, air and nutrients to promote vigorous growth of the plants 6 but is impermeable to sunlight to inhibit growth of weeds. In this case of the sheet 7 is of grade 50 grammes per square metre. The templet 1 is a full scale size representation of the garden 2 and defines the shape of the garden 2. The sheet 7 is measured up and cut to form the desired shape of the garden 2, so that the peripheral edge 4 of the templet 1 defines the periphery of the garden 2. The sheet 7 is measured for determining the location of the plants 6, and a plurality of indicating means are provided in the templet 1 at the respective plant locations for indicating the locations at which the respective plants 6 are to be planted in the garden 2. In this embodiment of the invention each indicating means is provided by a pair of indicating slits 10 which extend through the templet 1. Each pair of indicating slits 10 are formed in cross shape to enable portions 11 of the sheet 7 defined by the indicating slits 10 to be peeled backwards to form an indicating opening 12 through which a plant 5 is planted in the garden 2. Identifying means comprising self- adhesive labels 13 which carry identifying characters, in this case, the botanical names of the plants 6 are secure to the templet 1 adjacent the respective and corresponding pairs of indicating slits 10. To plant the garden 2 the templet 1 is laid over the ground to define the garden 2 as illustrated in Fig. 4. The templet 1 is anchored by an anchor means formed by placing a continuous row 14 of bricks 16 on top of the templet 1 around portion of the peripheral edge 4 thereof. In this case, the row 14 of bricks 16 is provided around the portion of the peripheral edge 4 which borders the lawn 3. The plants 6 are planted in the garden 2 through the corresponding indicating openings 12 in the templet 1, and the templet 1 is left in place in the garden 2 to inhibit weed growth. On completion of planting of the plants 6, a covering material 18 is spread over the templet 1. The covering material 18 may be wood or bark chips, mulch, pebbles, stones or any other suitable or desired material which may be decorative or otherwise. If the lawn 3 has not been laid prior to planting the garden 2, the lawn 3 may be prepared and planted after the garden 2 has been planted. On the other hand, if there is an existing lawn, which extends into areas where the garden 2 is to be formed, the templet 1 may first be laid over the area of ground where the garden 2 is to be formed and the lawn may be marked out using the templet as a guide to outline the areas of the lawn from which sods are to be removed for forming part of the garden 2. Referring now to Fig. 6 there is illustrated an alternative anchor means for anchoring the templet 1 to the ground. In this embodiment of the invention the anchor means comprises half round logs 20 arranged in an elongated row, which are placed on top of the templet 1 along the peripheral edge 4 thereof. Securing stakes 21 or pins are passed through the logs 20 and the templet 1 for securing the logs 20 and templet 1 to the ground. Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, there is illustrated a templet 30 according to another embodiment of the invention for planting, in this case a herb garden 31, which is of type which would normally be referred to as an island bed, and in general, would be surrounded by a path, lawn or the like. The templet 30 is substantially similar to the templet 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The templet 30 comprises a sheet 7 similar to the sheet 7 of the templet 1, and the sheet 7 comprises a peripheral edge 4 which defines the entire peripheral edge of the garden 31. The plants 6, which in this case are herbs 32a to f are planted through openings 12 formed by slits 10 through the sheet 7 of the templet 30. In this case, the herbs 32a to 32f are as follows: a Rosemary b Mint c Purple Sage d Golden Oregano e Chives f Thyme Variegated The templet 30 is secured to the ground by a row of bricks (not shown) which extend completely around the peripheral edge 4 of the sheet 7, in similar fashion as already described with reference to the templet 1 of Figs. 1 to 5. When the plants have been planted the sheet 7 may then be covered with any suitable covering material, for example, wood bark, pebbles or the like. The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that it eliminates entirely the need for measuring up the locations in a garden where planting is to take place. The measuring up takes place during preparation of the templet, which may be carried out indoors under cover from the weather or in any suitable location. Indeed; it is envisaged that a jig or jigs may be provided to facilitate ready and easy, quick reproduction of similar type templets which would facilitate mass production of similar templets, or similar ranges of templets. It is also envisaged that the templets could be produced by computer, when the plan of the garden would be prepared on a computer screen, and by using a suitable large scale printer, the identifying means would be printed on the sheet, and the locations of the respective indicating means would also be printed on the sheet. Indeed, a suitable cutting machine could be controlled by the computer to cut slits in the templet sheet at the locations of the indicating means. Where the indicating means are to be provided by a mark or the like, then the mark could be printed on the sheet under the control of the computer. Another important advantage of the invention is that by virtue of the fact that the templet is left in place, the templet being of a material which is impermeable to sunlight inhibits weed growth. Thereby minimizing the amount of maintenance subsequently required to maintain the garden. By providing the templet of a material which is permeable to water, air and nutrients, the plans can be watered, and fed with nutrients through the templet to promote vigorous plant growth. In fact, the templet is particularly suitable for beds, borders or gardens which are planted with perennial plants, such as, for example, shrubs, bushes, herbs and the like, and/or any other perennial plants, since the need to maintain the bed, border or garden free of weeds will be effectively eliminated by virtue of the fact that the templet inhibits weed growth. While the templet has been described as being of a particular material, the templet may be of any other suitable sheet material, mesh or the like, biodegradable or the like. The sheet material may be of a natural material, for example, a natural fibre, such as, for example, cotton, linen, wool or the like, or may be of a manmade material, whether fibre material or otherwise, such as, for example, a plastics material. Needless to say, many other suitable materials, such as, for example, paper, jute and the like may be used. Indeed, it is not essential that the sheet material should inhibit weed growth, although, needless to say, this is advantageous. Furthermore, while the templet has been described as being formed in the shape of the whole garden, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the templet may form a substantial part of the garden. Indeed in many cases where the garden is relatively large, the templet may be formed by a number of sheets which may be joined together, or laid side by side over the garden. While a particular type of indicating means has been described, any other suitable indicating means may be provided, and indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the indicating means may not be provided by openings, but rather by marks, which would indicate the location where an opening is to be formed in the templet through which a plant is to be planted. Needless to say, other suitable identifying means may also be used besides those described. For example, it is envisaged that instead of providing the name of the plant on the templet or on a label secured to the templet, codes could be used, which codes, may be numerical codes, letter codes or a combination of letters and numbers. Colour coding may also be provided, and the colour coding may indicate the colour of the blooms of the plant. It is also envisaged that an artistic representation, or a photograph or the like of the plant could be provided as the identifying means or as well as the identifying means. It is also envisaged that instead of providing the identifying means on a label, and securing the label to the templet, the identifying means may be provided by printing or other suitable means directly on the templet. It is also envisaged that in certain cases, the identifying means may form the indicating means, for example, should the identifying means be provided by the name of the plant, the location of the name could act as the indicating means. Additionally, where the identifying means comprises a representation of the plant, particularly, where the representation of the plant is a plan view representation, the centre of the representation could act as the indicating means. Indeed, where the representation of the plant shows an elevational view of the plant, the base of the plant could act as the indicating means. While the templet and method have been described for planting an herbaceous border and an island bed, the templet and method may be used for planning any other type of garden, and indeed, may be used for planting a vegetable garden and a fruit garden. Further, it will be appreciated ' that while specific plants have been described, which include a combination of shrubs, bushes, trees and the like, any other plants, flowering and non- flowering, bushes, shrubs, trees, vegetable plants, seeds, bulbs, cuttings and the like may be planted using the templet and method according to the invention. Indeed, any combination of some or all of the above may be planted using the templet and method of the invention. It will of course be appreciated that in certain cases after the garden has been planted, the templet may be removed and discarded.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for planting a garden (2), the apparatus being of the type comprising a templet (1), which templet (1) comprises a plurality of indicating means (10,12) for indicating respective locations at which plants (6) are to be planted characterised in that the templet (1) is a full scale sized templet (1), and defines a substantial portion of the garden (2), and the templet (1) comprises a plurality of identifying means (13) adjacent respective indicating means (10,12) for identifying the plants (6) which are to be planted at- the respective indicating means (10,12). 2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the templet (1) comprises a means (4) which defines the peripheral shape of the garden (2). 3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 characterised in that the means (4) which defines the peripheral shape of the garden (2) comprises at least a portion of the peripheral edge (4) of the templet (1). 4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 characterised in that the means (4) which defines the peripheral shape of the garden (2) comprises the peripheral edge (4) of the templet (1). 5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each indicating means (10,12) is provided by an indicating opening (12) extending through the templet (1). 6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each indicating means (10,12) is formed by a slit (10). 7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 characterised in that each indicating means (10,12) is formed by a pair of slits (10) in the form of a cross. 8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each indicating means (10,12) is formed by a mark on the templet (1). 9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each identifying means (13) comprises an identifying character (13). 10. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 characterised in that each identifying character (13) comprises the name of the plant. 11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 characterised in that the identifying character (13) comprises the botanical name of the plant. 12. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9 characterised in that each identifying means (13) comprises a numerical character. 13. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each identifying means (13) comprises an identifiable representation of the plant. 14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each identifying means (13) is provided on a label (13), which is secured to the templet (1). 15. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 characterised in that the label (13) is secured to the templet by an adhesive. 16. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 or 15 characterised in that the label (13) is a self-adhesive label. 17. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each identifying means (13) forms the corresponding indicating means (10,12). 18. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the templet (1) is o sheet material. 19. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the templet (1) is of flexible material. 20. .Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the templet (1) is of a permeable material. 21. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 20 characterised in that the templet (1) is of a permeable material which is permeable to water, air and nutrients. 22. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the templet (1) is of a material which is not permeable to sunlight. 23. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the templet (1) is of a material which inhibits weed growth therethrough. 24. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the templet (1) is of a plastics material. 25. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 24 characterised in that the templet (1) is of PVC plastics material. 26. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the templet (1) is of a woven material. 27. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 25 characterised in the templet (1) is of a non-woven material. 28. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that an anchor means (14,16) is provided for anchoring the templet (1) to the ground. 29. A method for planting a garden (2), the method being of the type comprising the steps of placing a templet (1) on the ground in the garden (2), which templet (1) comprises a plurality of indicating means (10,12) for indicating respective locations at which plants (6) are to be planted, and planting the plants (6) through the templet (1) at the respective indicating means (10,12), characterised in that the templet (1) is a full scale size templet and defines a substantial portion of the garden (2), and the method comprises the step of placing the templet (1) on the ground at the location of the garden (2) so that the templet (1) coincides with the said substantial portion of the garden (2), and the templet (1) comprises a plurality of identifying means (13) adjacent respective indicating means (10,12) for identifying the plants (6) which are to be planted at the respective indicating means (10,12). 30. A method as claimed in Claim 29 characterised in that the templet (1) comprises a means (4) which defines the peripheral shape of the garden (2). 31. A method as claimed in Claim 30 characterised in that the means (4) which defines the peripheral shape of the garden (2) comprises at least a portion of the peripheral edge (4) of the templet (1). 32. A method as claimed in Claim 31 characterised in that the means (4) which defines the peripheral shape of the garden (2) comprises the peripheral edge (4) of the templet (1). 33. A method as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 32 characterised in that the method comprises the step of placing the templet (1) on the ground so that the means (4) which defines the peripheral shape of the garden (2) coincides with the peripheral edge of the garden (2) or where the garden (2) is to be formed. 34. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 33 characterised in that the templet (1) is anchored to the ground by an anchor means (14,16). 35. A method as claimed in Claim 34 characterised in that the templet (1) is anchored to the ground adjacent at least portion of the peripheral edge (4) of the templet (1). 36. A method as claimed in Claim 35 characterised in that the templet (1) is anchored to the ground around the peripheral edge (4) of the templet (1). 37. A method as claimed in any of Claims ' 34 to 36 characterised in that the anchor means (14,16) comprises a plurality of bricks (16) placed on the templet (1). 38. A method as claimed in any of Claims 34 to 37 characterised in that the anchor means (14,16) comprises a plurality of bricks (16) formed into an elongated row (14). 39. A method as claimed in any of Claims 34 to 37 characterised in that the anchor means (14,16) comprises a plurality of logs (20). 40. A method as claimed in Claim 39 characterised in that the anchor means (14,16) comprises a plurality of timber half logs (20) of substantially semi-circular transverse cross-section. 41. A method as claimed in Claim 30 or 40 characterised in that the anchor means (14,16) comprises a plurality of logs (20) arranged to form an elongated row (14). 42. A method as claimed in any of Claims 34 to 41 characterised in that the anchor means (14,16) comprises a plurality of stakes (21) passed through the templet (1) into the ground. 43. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 42 characterised in that the method further comprises the step of covering the templet (1) with a covering material (18). 44. A method as claimed in Claim 43 characterised in that the covering material (18) is placed on the templet (1) after the plants (6) have been planted therethrough. 45. A method as claimed in Claim 43 or 44 characterised in that the covering material (18) comprises wood or bark chips. 46. A method as claimed.in any of Claims 43 to 45 characterised in that the covering material (18) comprises a decorative type covering material. 47. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 46 characterised in that the covering material (18) comprises pebbles. 48. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 47 characterised in that the covering material (18) comprises stones. 49. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 48 characterised in that the covering material (18) comprises marble chips. 50. A method as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 49 characterised in that the covering material (18) comprises a mulch material. 51. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 50 characterised in that the templet (1) is formed of sheet material. 52. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 51 characterised in that the templet (1) is of a flexible material. 53. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 52 characterised in that the templet (1) is of a permeable material. 54. A method as claimed in Claim 53 characterised in that the templet (1) is of a permeable material which is permeable to water, air and nutrients. 55. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 54 characterised in that the templet (1) is of a material which is not permeable to sunlight. 56. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 55 characterised in that the templet (1) is of a material which inhibits weed growth therethrough. 57. A method as claimed in any of Claims ' 29 to 56 characterised in that the templet (1) is of a plastics material. 58. A method as claimed in Claim 57 characterised in that the templet (1) is of PVC material. 59. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 58 characterised in that the templet (1) is of a woven material. 60. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 58 characterised in the templet (1) is of a non-woven material. 61. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 60 characterised in that each indicating means (10,12) is provided by an indicating opening (10) through the templet (1). 62. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 61 characterised in that each indicating means (10,12) is formed by a slit (10). 63. A method as claimed in Claim 62 characterised in that each indicating means (10,12) is formed by a pair of slits (12) in the form of a cross. 64. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 63 characterised in that each indicating means (10,12) is provided by a mark on the templet (1). 65. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 64 characterised in that each identifying means (13) comprises an identifying character (13). 66. A method as claimed in Claim 65 characterised in that each identifying character (13) comprises the name of the plant. 67. A method as claimed in Claim 66 characterised in that the name of the plant is given by its botanical name. 68. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 67 characterised in that each identifying means (13) comprises an identifiable representation of the plant. 69. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 68 characterised in that each identifying means (13) forms a corresponding indicating means (10,12). 70. A method as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 69 characterised in that the method comprises the step of preparing the templet (1). 71. A method as claimed in Claim 70 characterised in that the method comprises the step of forming the indicating means (10,12) on the templet (1) at the respective appropriate locations. 72. A method as claimed in Claim 71 characterised in that the method further comprises the step of forming the identifying means (13) on the templet (1) adjacent the respective indicating means (10,12).

Inventors: MOONEY WILLIAM PATRICK, WALSH BRENDAN FRANCIS, MOONEY, WILLIAM, PATRICK, WALSH, BRENDAN, FRANCIS
Applicants: MOONEY WILLIAM PATRICK, WALSH BRENDAN FRANCIS, YEWLANDS LTD, MOONEY, WILLIAM, PATRICK, WALSH, BRENDAN, FRANCIS, YEWLANDS LIMITED
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A01G1
IPC codes: A01G1